Introduction

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has issued a stark warning as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. Volker Türk, the U.N. chief, urged a thorough reassessment of United States immigration policies, emphasizing that the treatment of athletes, officials, and fans must respect human dignity and international standards.

Immigration Issues Highlighted by the UN

Türk identified three intertwined concerns: racial profiling, invasive surveillance, and aggressive immigration enforcement. He warned that these practices threaten the spirit of global sport, which should unite people in peace and mutual respect. The United States, co‑hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, faces particular scrutiny because its federal agencies enforce policies that have already led to high‑profile incidents.

Specific Cases of Discriminatory Enforcement

Recent episodes illustrate the depth of the problem. Iran’s national team was relocated from an Arizona training camp to Mexico after some officials were denied U.S. entry visas. A Somali referee, Omar Artan, was detained in Miami and barred from the tournament despite his status as Africa’s top referee. In a separate incident, a Senegalese player was reportedly frisked on an airport tarmac.

Additional reports reveal a pattern affecting players of color. Swiss striker Breel Embolo faced a “visa review” that cited a minor past offense, raising questions about the role of his African heritage in the decision. After public pressure, he was eventually allowed entry, but the episode exposed opaque criteria. Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein endured a seven‑hour interrogation before gaining entry, while team photographer Talal Salah was denied entry after lengthy questioning.

Fans have not been exempt. Travelers from Morocco and Scotland have reported visa denials or revocations just days before their flights. Moreover, entire fan sections from Iraq were barred, leaving empty seats in the group stage. Even senior U.S. officials, such as Andrew Giuliani, defended the enforcement actions without providing substantive justification.

Implications for the World Cup and Human Rights

FIFA’s 2017 bidding rules stipulate that visa processing must be nondiscriminatory and should not undermine security standards. The current situation suggests a gap between policy and practice, threatening the inclusive ethos of the World Cup. Türk called for a “massive rethink” of how immigration enforcement aligns with human rights, urging that the event provide a safe and dignified environment for all participants.

Beyond the tournament, these incidents spotlight broader concerns about systemic racism and the lack of transparency in U.S. immigration procedures. The UN’s appeal underscores the need for reforms that eliminate profiling and ensure that security measures do not infringe upon fundamental freedoms.

Conclusion

The upcoming World Cup presents both a challenge and an opportunity. By addressing the highlighted injustices, the United States can demonstrate a commitment to human rights, set a positive example for future mega‑events, and affirm that sport truly belongs to the global community.